April and Easter, A Poem

                               

         April is the month of Spring awakening
         to the warm showers,
         and the sight of Daffodils and Easter Flowers.

         The April rains moisten the earth with newness,
         And in Creation, God gives rebirth;
         and the light of the Easter dawn dispels
         the darkness.
      

March Winds, A Poem

     The March wind blows away
     the winter blues;
     Spring grins,
     because she brings good news.

     Even if there is still snow on the ground,
     March will bring Spring around.

     March is the symbol of the Season of Lent,
     the hope of Easter to come;
     and the joy of life that God has sent.

Blessed Are The Peacemakers..A Biblical Short Story

     Michah was a shepherd boy who lived in the region of Galilee.  His father Ezekial, and his grandfather, Jeremiah were in the fields the night the star shone over Bethlehem.  That was the night the angel announced the coming of the Lord Jesus.

     One day, Michah was in the fields tending sheep.  He sat under a fig tree to leat lunch.  Ezekial and Jeremiah joined Michah in the cool shade.  They all shared the goats milk, cheese, bread and figs.

     "My Father and Grandfather, this tastes so good! While we are eating, will you both tell me the story, when thirty years ago, you were in the fields on that night?  Tell me how the angel announced the birth of Our Lord?  Oh, I want to hear it so much."

     "It was a dark night," said Jeremiah, "your father and I attended the sheep. The night was so crisp and cold, and the stars appeared like diamonds across the sky.  The sky then became brighter, and the angel appeared to us.  He appeared like a bright, jeweled statue filling up half the sky.  The angel was surrounded in light with a peaceful countenance and a smile upon his lips.

     "Do not be afraid, I am the Messenger of the Lord.  I bring to you from the Most High God, a true message.  In the city of David, the most High has sent His Most Beloved Son down to earth as a baby boy.  He is born in poverty and will bring us His Blessed Peace.  You shall find Him with a lovely Virgin Mother, named Mary.  With the Holy Virgin will be the carpenter Joseph, who is mild, strong and patient.  They are in a stable stall, and the babe is lying in the manger, because there was no room for them in the Inn. And the baby Son of God will be wrapped in swaddling clothes."

     "We were filled with such joy," said Ezekial, " a joy that could not be explained.  We felt a deep happiness to be able to go to Bethlehem, which means city of Bread, and see this wonderful sight, the Prince of Peace and The Bread of Life.  The Lord gave us strength to travel.  We arrived at the stable, and it was quiet and full of life.  We walked in like we were approaching a king sitting on a throne.  We whispered, because we knew we were in the presence of someone who was totally holy and pure.  We knelt down in front of Him without being told, and adored him for a long time.  It brought smiles to our faces and peace and love in our hearts.  It was almost into the next morning, that we adored Him.  Mary and Joseph smiled at us, and said we could stay and adore Jesus as long as we wished.  We also asked the Infant Jesus for His Blessing."

     "And did the baby Jesus give you His Blessing Father?" said Michah.

     "Oh yes, my son.  Jesus held out His little hand, and raised it over us with a Blessing, "said Ezechial

     "See how the Good Lord of Israel has sent my Son and His Son as a little child," said Mary, "let us be still and adore."

     "Thank you Lord Jesus, thank you," we said.

When Ezekial and Jeremiah finished telling the story, Michah's face lit up with joy.

    "Can I go to the Mount tomorrow?  I hear Jesus is coming to preach a sermon to the crowds.  I want to hear him speak," said Michah.

     "Yes, Michah, we will happily accompany you to the Mount in Jerusalem to see Jesus preach, " said Ezekial.

     "Oh thank you my Father and Grandfather!" said Michah.

     All three went back to attending their sheep on the hill.

     The next day, the sun was shining and the sky was a deep blue with white, cotton like clouds.  Michah, Ezekial, and Jeremiah went to Jerusalem to walk the mountain where Jesus was.  They were not tired, because they received the strength they needed from God. They were able to find a place on the grass neaer to where Jesus was sitting, because they have left early that day.

     The crowd gathered, and Michah, Ezekial, and Jeremiah were seated on the grassy hill.  They were happy, because they were close to Jesus and almost could touch Him.  Jesus looked so handsome with His dark, large and luminous eyes that shone with peace and love.  Jesus was tall, strong and had the most beautiful body.  He was the most perfect among men, and no man could compare to Him.  He wore a white robe with a brown sash at the waist, and brown sandals.  The face of Jesus was tanned with the sun, and the tan framed his large and dark eyes

     It became quiet, like a calm before the storm, and the crowds looked at Jesus with expectation to hear Him speak.  Jesus opened His mouth, and started telling the Beatitudes of Life.

     "Happy are those who know they are poor, because the kingdom of Heaven is theirs."

     "Oh, what words!" said Michah.  His eyes widened and he eagerly listened to what Jesus had to say next.

     "Happy are those who mourn and weep, God will surely comfort them.  Happy are the meek, they will receive what God has promised.  Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires, God will satisfy them fully.  Happy are those who are merciful to others, God will be merciful to them.  Happy are the pure of heart, they will see God.  Happy are those who work for peace among men, God will be happy to call them His children.

     Michah looked at Jesus with wonderment, he thought to himself, "That is what I want to be when I grow up, a peace maker.  I want to bring the words of Jesus to all kinds of people, no matter what color or creed they may be."

    And Jesus went on..."Happy are those who are persecuted, because they do what God asks of them.  Be happy when men persecute you and tell all kinds of lies about you, because you are my followers.  Be glad and rejoice, because a great reward is kept for you in Heaven.  This is how men persecuted the prophets who lived before you."  Jesus went on to tell the crowds how they were the salt of the earth, and they shouldn't lose their salt, which means their good deeds and love for Him and their fellowman.  He taught the people that they should obey God's law and love everyone as their brothers and sisters, without any discrimination.  Jesus ended by saying that we should all pray to Our Heavenly Father like this: Our Father who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses; which means the wrong we have done against God and our neighbor, as we forgive those who trespass against us.  Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power and the Glory now and forever Amen.

     After Jesus finished His sermon, He extended His hand over the crowd for a few seconds, and blessed them. 

     "My children, my dearest children, take heed and see what you can do to bring about the kingdom of God on earth.  Trust always in your Heavenly Father, who loves you beyond any love you can imagine.  He will give you all that you need.  Your Heavenly Father wants you to believe in Him, and trust Him.    This is what brings Him great joy.  Let love rule over your hearts and minds.  Do good to those who hate you,  because it will help your soul, and your Heavenly Father will be pleased.  Do not judge, leave this to your Heavenly Father, but forgive till your hearts are emptied in love for everyone, then you will be true sons and daughters of the Lord."

    Michah, Ezekial, and Jeremiah remembered that sermon the rest of their lives, and it was like they heard it for the first time.

     As the years went on, Michah grew to manhood and became very handsome and kind.  He, with the help of the Lord, did become a peacemaker.  He helped alot of people to grow in love, peace and joy with their fellow brothers and sisters.  He helped the law makers to make good laws and show respect for all people, and tell them they are God's children.

    Jeremiah and Ezekial died, and went to God in Heaven, remembering Michah's dream of wanting to be a peacemaker.  They died with joy in their hearts and minds

    Michah was not known like the Apostles of Jesus, but he played a great part even though small, in the family of God and man.  Michah made a difference.  We all must remember to do this with the gifts God has given us.  Each one of us has a special gift, and it might not be the same as others.  It is God's special gift freely given and we must use it to make a better world.  Let us all become Michahs', Jeremiahs', and Ezekials' in today's modern world.  For then we shall hear Jesus say to all of us, "Blessed are the peacemakers."  This is the moral of the story.

When Mother Was A Star

  

    
     In the late twenties, Papa's sister Mary would suggested that Mother play the part of the boy in the St. Joseph's School play.  In those days, the Catholic schools would not allow the boys and girls to be in a play together.  Aunt Mary thought Mom had such a husky voice and she was quite the thespian and loved to act.  It turned out that Mother got the part and the nuns and teachers thought she was great.

    Later on, when Mother was 18, it was talent show time at the Warren Struther's Library Theatre.  Mother heard that the talent company from out of town, was looking for locals to hold rehearsals and tryouts.  Mother was very excited, because of her natural talent for adventure.  She asked Grandpa and Grandma Critelli if she could go to the theatre in town and audition.  Grandma knew that Mother had a natural talent for high kicking and loved to dance; so Grandma gave Mother her consent.  The show that performed was of a vaudeville nature.  The director searched for twelve nicely shaped girls who had the ability to kick high, and stay in rhythm with the music.  Mother then tried out with the rest of the girls, and she had a alot of fun displaying her high kicks to the director and choreographer.  The director liked what he saw in Mother and he hired her for one of the chorus girls.  The song that Mother and the girls danced to, was "Doodily Doo," which went like this: Please play for me that sweet melody called doodily doo, doodily doo...."

     Papa went to the show and it was the first time he really noticed her.  Papa and Mother had been neighbors on the same street.  As Papa watched the shapely girls dance on the stage, his eyes were fixed on Mother and her high kicking.  He leaned over and asked his friends with him:

     "Who is that pretty and attractive girl?"  She looks like one of the Critelli's down the street from me," said Papa with a gleam in his eye.

     "Yes she is, her name is Kathryn," said one of Papa's friends.

     Papa's sister Mary always commented that Mother had the prettiest legs of the Critelli girls.  I inherited my love of dancing from Mother, and my ability to balance and pick up new steps.  Mother encouraged me to take dancing lessons when I was young.  My greatest love then was the Ballet and Mother was proud of my talent.  I also inherited from Mother, the love of old musicals, movies, and movie stars.

    Papa would take Mother, my sister Sandy and I too the movies on weekends, and Mother would recall when she danced on that Struther's Stage.

Life In The Carolinas

    Winter and all other seasons are not like my hometown in Pennsylvania, and up North.

    The Carolina's are special; they are God's gift to Mother Earth and to everyone who lives here.

     I cannot describe the beauty of the tall pine trees; they are the tallest I have ever seen.  The Alleghenies have lovely trees, but not quite like in South Carolina.

    The people are warm and laid back, and do not rush and anxious like up North.  It took me awhile to slow down a bit, but I am still programed from the North to hurry  and be impatient.  There are some biased opinions of "Yankees", as we are called, but the majority of the people here do appreciate the natives of the North, West and East.  Most people basically accept others as human beings and not Confederates or Yankees.  There are many cultures that are so interesting.

   The Palmetto Trees are awesome, and the Pansies grow in winter and all year round.  They never freeze by the frigid temperatures.  The people's lawns are so lovely with the various flowers.  The huge Magnolia Blossoms are incredibly stunning with beauty!  In the spring, the Azaleas bushes bloom with pinks, fuschias, reds and whites.  Such loveliness to behold, like Paradise!  The Crepe Myrtles(trees), are like Lilacs up North and the purple Wisteria flowers hang down on their tree like the Wheeping Willow.

   The Shag is the dance here, and the people are full of life and love.  The sky seems bigger to me and in the hot, summer months the stars are so clearly seen in the Southern Sky!

   There are great employment opportunities, and once someone knows you, they become your friend for life.
  

A Melody And A Song

    This is a poem when I left the Blair Outlet to go over town on Hickory Street, to the typing department.


 Your kindness is a song,
and your friendship, a melody;
a sweet refrain that will stay strong.
in my heart, like an echoing rhapsody.

My thanks has no flats,
but sharps, and a natural too;
because you all are so sweet,
and that's what I think of you.

I never can say goodbye
for we shall meet again;
for now, I leave with a grateful sigh,
and may see you along life's lane.

The Reasons and Seasons of Our Lives

     Sometimes we wonder why people and events come into our lives.  It has been a mystery since time began.  Many articles and poems have been written on the seasons and reasons in our lives.

    Let's take people, for instance.  We think that once a  person comes into our lives, they are there for a life time.  But that is not always the case.  It is hard sometimes to let people go!  We have given our hearts to them and they, too, have professed their love for us.  The hardest action to do, is to let go at the proper time and let that person find happiness in their lives.  Whether or not they have forgotten us, or will forget us, it is in God's mind.  We should not make judgements of how a person may feel, because of their actions.  Sometimes we want to hang on to that person.  We think just because we want to share with them for the rest of our lives; we think they  want to do the same.They may have issues in their lives that they are unable too, or can't share with us.  It happened to me.  I loved a person so deeply and he pledged his love for me.  But, through the years, things have changed.  I do not know if he still loves me or not, but their is pain and tears sometimes, because of sweet memories.  We rationalize and try to make sense of things, listening to others and how they feel we should act etc.  It was once said that we should follow our hearts. But if we have total trust and faith in God, we should go His route  for us,and live each day with hope, joy and making new memories.  Then if we do just that, the reasons and seasons in our lives will make sense.

An Italian Boy Makes Good

     In the late 1930's, Papa worked on the Pennsylvania Railroad.  He used to get free passes for riding on the train.

     One time, for recreation, Papa took a trip to Rochester, N.Y. with a friend of the family.  Papa's friend worked in Rochester and asked Papa if Papa wanted to go with him for a beer and a show.

     "Sure, I'd like to go, I am game," said Papa

His friend heard that there was a young talent appearing at the Rochester Hotel. Unbeknowns to Papa and his friend, the crooner with the blue eyes and strong voice, was Frank Sinatra.  He had appeared in various hotels and nightclubs in New York at that time.  That is how Frank Sinatra got his break in show business, as an established singer.

     "Hey, he's pretty darn good," said Papa

     "Yes, he sure is Joe, he has got style and a good voice," said Papa's friend.

     In the years ahead, this crooner from Hoboken, New Jersey would be the heart throb of all the young ladies in Warren, PA, including Papa's sisters and all the young women in America.

     Papa heard about Frank Sinatra's success, later on in years, and commented.

     "That great, Italian boy makes good!" said Papa with pride to be an Italian-American.

     As Papa worked on the railroad, he sometimes hummed a familiar tune sung by Frank Sinatra at the Rochester Hotel

The Adventures Of My Mother Kathryn

          When Mother was in her twenties, in the early 1930's; she decided to take her friend Fanny on an afternoon adventure at Warren Airport.  The airport used to be in the spot today where Betts Field is.

          Mother found out that the Warren Airport was having airplane rides. In those days, the planes looked like Charles Lindburg's, "The Spirit of St. Louis."  The pilot that gave the rides that day, was Slip King.  He didn't have ear protectors for Mother and Fanny, nor helmets.  Fanny was afraid to go up in the plane, but Mother thought it was that more exciting!  They took off from the ground, and Warren began to look to Mother like a miniature model of the town below them.  Slip King made the open cockpit plane soar high.  Mother tried to talk to Fanny and Mr. King, but neither one of them could hear her, nor she could hear them.  The wind blew in her face, and all she could hear was the roaring of the propellers.  Mother felt like her ear drum would burst.  After Slip King landed, Mother and Fanny tried to talk, but their ears were ringing.  Mother read Fanny's lips as best she could.  Then after a while, the ringing in Mother's ears stopped and she was back to normal.  Mother told Fanny she was never going to ride in a plane that Slip King would pilot.  Mother felt that Slip King was careless with the safety of his passengers.

     Mother was not afraid of water either.  One day her friends wanted her to go to the Brokenstraw Creek, six miles from Warren; it was an old fashioned swimming hole.  All the Warrenites in Warren, PA, would gather together and enjoy the waters of the Brokenstraw on a Saturday afternoon.  Mother pretended to be a swimmer, and one of her friends dared her to dive of the diving board.  Mother accepted her friends challenge and  thought she would come up to the water's surface.  Mother dove in the creek.  She found herself struggling and coming up for the third time.  She yelled....."Help!...Help!, Help!....  One of her friends, Frankie, realized that she was not fooling.  Frankie dove in the creek and pulled Mother out to safety.  She told Frankie and her friends that she was truly sorry, and she had learned her lesson.

     When Papa, Mom and my Sister would go to the beach, Mom would always recall that story.  Mom told my sister and I not to pretend to others that we could swim when we couldn't.  Mother also liked being splashed and waded in the shallow part of the water.

Sacred Things, Sacramentals, The Use of Holy Water

     We have the Seven Sacraments in The Church, but there are also "little" Sacraments, which are called: Sacramentals.  We receive many graces from them.  Holy Water is the most popular of these sacramentals.  There is a little prayer that can be said, which I think is very effective: "Dear Lord, by this Holy Water and Thy Precious Blood wash away my venial sins."

     As Catholics, before we enter the church for Mass, we dip our fingers in the holy water font and make the sign of the Cross.  Holy Water is used  in our sacred liturgies, baptisms, etc.  After Easter, we are sprinkled by the priest before Mass.  Also, in storms and certain temptations from the Devil, we are encouraged to take holy water.  It is a good idea to have holy water in our homes.  We can easily get it from the baptismal font, or holy water container in the church.  It is a metal tub with a spigot, usually, and has a cup underneath.  It is  good idea to ask a priest if the holy water in the baptismal font is Blessed.

    Holy water can be used in sickness and certain fears that one has.  I always take a sip of holy water, before I take a new perscription drug.  I ask Our Lord to take away bad side effects from the medicine.  Before I go on a trip, I sprinkle the car with holy water.

When Mother Said Yes

                                     Mother and Papa when they were engaged in 1939
                                     Warren, PA.


          Around June of 1939, Papa and Mother had dinner at Mother's parents home on Hazel Street in Warren, PA.  Papa brought the engagement ring, because he wanted to propose to Mother at Grandma and Granpa Critelli's.

          After one of Grandma's famous Italian Dinners, Papa asked Mother to go out on the front porch and sit on the swing.  They both talked together, and Mother had a feeling Papa wanted to ask her something serious.  She asked him to get to the point.  Papa pulled out of his pocket, a lovely black,velvet box, and inside was a gold, orange blossom diamond engagement ring.  Mother's  heart quickened, as she looked into Papa's eyes with Love.

     "Katie, will you do me the honor of being my wife?  Will you marry me?"

     "Oh yes!" said Mother with tears in her eyes.

Papa placed the ring on the third finger of her left hand.  She stared at it with great admiration.  Papa and Mother embraced each other, and Papa gave her a soft, and loving kiss.

       The engagement period lasted for 14 months before their wedding would take place.  Papa bought the ring from the famous James Jewelers in Warren.  Today, these rings would have been worth alot of money.  I still have the ring in my posession and will always treasure it!

      It was a Saturday Morning, August 10, 1040, that Papa and Mother tied the knot of Holy Matrimony at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Beech Street.  Aunt Mary Rock Scalise, Papa's Sister, sang the Ave Maria so beautifully, as Papa once told me.  Uncle Louie Critelli, Mother's Brother, was one of the ushers and took a home movie of the wedding.  Aunt Mary Critelli was Mother's Matron of Honor, and Uncle Dominic was Papa's best man.  Mother wore a long, white gown with puff sleeves and pearls entwined and a long train.  She carried a bouquet of White Calla Lillies, and on her head was a pearl tiarra with a long veil attached.  Aunt Mary wore a blue moire and pink design and carried pink, Briarcliff Roses.  Papa and Uncle Dominic both looked handsome.  Father Jacobs said the Nuptial Mass.  It was a single ring ceremony, because Papa only wanted Mother to have a ring.

    Papa and Mother's Wedding Reception was at YWCA; the menu was stuffed schwabs, mashed potatoes, peas, pastries and jello for dessert, and of the course, the wedding cake.  There was dancing with a local band, and Aunt Mary caught the bridal bouquet.

  Papa and Mother changed clothes for their honeymoon trip.  Mother wore a black and white polka dot suit with a large, black brimmed hat with a white grograin ribbon and black and white pumps.  Papa thought Mother looked like she had stepped out of a fashion magazine. 

   For the honeymoon Papa and Mother went to see Aunt Julie, Mother's older sister, and her husband, in Grand Rapids,Michigan, because Aunt Julie and Uncle Willis could not make the wedding.

Papa and The Gypsies, an Italian American Tale

My Papa Joe

     In 1915, Papa was five years old.  He lived on Eddy Street on the west end of Warren, Pa.  In those days, gypies would ride with their caravans through Warren, but they were not allowed to stay and take up root.

     On one of the early Spring days, when Warren was in bloom with pretty flowers, budding trees, and emerald green grass, Papa was playing in the front yard. He saw a colorful wagon drive by the house.  A gypsy lady got out of her wagon and walked toward Papa.  She thought he was a cute little boy with dark shining eyes, and black, curly hair.  There were old wives tales about gypsies stealing children, and it was to become a reality with Papa.  He looked up at, and smiled at the woman with the gold jewelry and hair scarf.  Before Papa could finish playing in the yard, the lady snatched Papa up in her arms and brought him to the wagon.  She tied him up lightly so he couldn't fall out of the wagon.

     Three miles down the road, in Starbrick, Pa, just outside of Warren, the wagon stopped.  Papa managed, somehow, to get loose from the rope.  He jumped out of the gypsy wagon and ran fast as he could to the nearest house.  A man was on the front porch.

     "Mister? would you take me home?  I live on Eddy Street in Warren. I was stolen by a gypsy lady and I got away," said Papa, as he tugged at the man's sleeve.  The man was impressed with Papa's ordeal and decided to take Papa back to Warren.  Meanwhile, Grandpa and Grandma Rocco were pacing the floors, wondering where Papa was.  Hed could not understand that Papa could just banish from the yard.  The man pulled up in front of the house on Eddy Street, and let Papa out.  Papa ran up on the porch and yelled to Grandpa and Grandma.

     "I was stolen gypsies, honest!"

     "Figlio Mia, Guiseppe, why did you leave the yard?" said Grandpa Rocco.

     "Don't you ever scare us that way again," said Grandma, "from now on, your sister Mary will see to it that you never leave the back yard.

      Aunt Mary watched Papa pretty thoroughly.  Every morning she walked Papa to school at the McClintock Kindergarten Class.  Aunt Mary went to third grade.  After school Aunt Mary walked Papa home.

     News had spread that Papa was stolen by the gypsies.  From that day on, throughout the west end of Warren, Papa was known as "Gypsie Joe."

A Muser's Paradise

    

     Our Heavenly Father has given us so many beautiful treasures in this world. It is a foretaste of the world to come in Heaven. There are so many subjects to write about.This world, that God has given us, is a Muser's Paradise with scenes, seasons, elements of nature etc. 

 

   The Seasons tell us of wonders to come and the beauty when they have arrived. Spring has it's newly forming life and beautiful blossoms on trees, bushes and gardens,sky and water.  When Spring shows her lovely apparel, you can see the beauty all around you.  Summer has it's heat and sunshine that warms the heart with many enjoyable activities like boating, camping, swimming, enjoying the lakes, rivers, beaches etc.  There are weddings, family reunions, the 4th of July picnics and many other kinds of picnics, outdoor concerts, and lightning bugs in the evenings.  Autumn brings the scents of burning leaves, jacolanterns on family porches, all lit up with firey smiles and carvings lauding the evening of Halloween.  The mountains and hills are a blaze with reds, browns, yellows and burgundies, on all the trees of the forest when foilage reaches it's peak.  Family Thanksgivings with their smells, tastes and fellowship.  Winter brings the beauty of the frost on the trees, the snow in the North, and sometimes in the South, the celebration of the glorious season of Christmas, when we remember Our Savior's birth, presents and families,friends, concerts and sleigh rides.  There also is the heavenly church music at Christmas time, and the ceremonies and services in different churches.  All these wonderful happenings make up for a Muser's Paradise.